Matrix case



Sept 7, 1937. P. P. MERRILL 2,092,554

' MATRIX CA SE Filed Aug. 24, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet l morgen sept. 7, 1937. P. P. MERRILL Y 2,092,554

AMATRIX cAsjs,

Filed Aug. 24, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 2,

Sept. 7, 1937. P.' P. MERRILL MATRIX CASE Filed Aug. 24, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheel 3 l Patented Sept. 7, 1937 MATRIX CASE y Philip P. Merrill, Evanston, Ill., assignor to Ludlow Typograph Company, Chicago, Ill. a corporation of Illinois Application August 24, 1936, Serial No. 97,691

16 Claims.

My invention relates to cases provided, by Way of example, as 'trays or drawers, for holding matrices from which printing line slugs are cast, the cases being formed with compartments for receiving the different matrices comprising the font and which are commonly pro-vided with ears at the upper portions of their ends extending in opposite directions from the bodies of the matrices.

One of my objects is to provide a case of such construction as will permit of the receiving into its several compartments, as desired," matrices of the kind referred to, of either of two overall lengths, as produced in practice, while avoiding obstruction between the ears of matrices of the larger size disposed in parallel compartments, in the relative sliding of these matrices in the compartments. y v Y Another object is to provide a construction whereby the compartments of the caseV may be quickly and easily conditioned for 'matrices for the forming of roman type characters,` and "of rectangular shape in plan, or the forming of characters of italic type, of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan, as desired, where the case when supported for the selecting therefrom of the matrices to be used extends in rearwardly and upwardly inclined position as 'in-common practice and the columns of matrices rest at their lower ends against abutment surfaces.

. Heretofore'in practice it has been necessary to provide separate cases for the matrices of`dif" ferent overall lengths, thus requiring an unduly large number of cases involving relatively large expense of equipment and requiring considerable space for the latter.V My present invention, by reason of the adaptability ofthe case for the storing of matrices of different' overalllengths and of different shapes, greatly reduces theam'ount of equipment required for storing the matrices.

-Another object is to provide? as'a part of the case means whereby the operator may conveniently and quickly determine,`before inserting into the holders `commonly provided to receive the composed matrices, the length, as for example in picas, of the line composed by the selected matrices; and other objects asy will bemanifest from `the following description.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a perspectiveview of `a matrix cabinet'of a common form and provided with matrix drawers embodying my invention andsupported therein in upwardlyrand rearwardlyinclinedpositio'n and slidable therefrom through a side of the Cabinet to laposition'rendering the matrices therein accessible for withdrawal, one of the drawers being shown as partially with'- drawn from the cabinet; t

Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional View taken y at the line 2 on Fig. 1 and Viewed inv the direction 5 of the arrow; l

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of one of the rails which form the matrix compartments; Y Figure 4 is a similar view of one of the cros rails adjacent the rail shown in Fig.` 3;

Figure 5 is a' section taken at the line 5 on Fig. 9 and viewed in the directionof the arrow;

Figure 6 is a perspective View of a construction k, of `pillow block embodying my invention and l5' which may be 'usedin the case referred to as an abutment for a column of matrices of non-rectangular parallelogram `shape vin` plan;

Figure 7 is a similar view of another forinin p Y which the pillow block may be provided;l 20

Figure 8 is a similar view of still another form in which the pillow block may be provided;"-l'v Figure 9 is an'enlarged plan viewof the inner end portion of the matrixcase shown inf Fig. 1; Figure 1'0 is a fragmentary perspective view of adjacent end 'portions of compartment-'forming `rails illustrating the corner construction, these partsbeing shown separatedbut in related position; 1

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional o0 view, taken 'at the line I I-l I on Fig. 9 andviewed in the direction of the arrows;

` Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectionalview taken at the line |2--I2'on Fig. 11 and viewed in the direction of thel arrows;y Figure 13 `is a perspective viewv of one of the similar ends of certain of ythe compartmentforming cross rails; Y

Figure 14 is a fragmentary perspective View of one of the similar compartment-forming side 40 rails;A Figure 15 is a sectional View, taken'at the line |5-I5 on Fig. 11 and viewedinthe directionof the arrows;A f V Figure 16 is an enlarged sectionalview taken at the'line lli-I6 on Fig. 9 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 17 is an enlarged sectional View` taken atthe line Il-llwon Fig. 9 and viewed in the direction ofthe arrows; v

Figure 18 isa face view of one of the similar adjustable cross, members forming walls of certain of the compartments; A

Figure 19 is asimilar view of a modification of the cross member shown inlFig.l 18; and

Figure 20, a fragmentary plan view of a modication of the drawer.

Referring to the matrix-case-holding cabinet shown in Fig. 1 and which is of common form, it comprises a housing structure, or casing, 2), provided with guides (not shown) on which matrix drawers, represented at 2| and embodying my invention, are supported in upwardly and rearwardly inclined position and adapted to be drawn through a side of the housing 29 to a position in which the several compartments of the drawers, hereinafter described, are accessible, one of the drawers being shown as partially Withdrawn to the position referred to. l

The drawers 2| are each of the sam'e construction, each comprising a rectangular frame 22 formed of a top member 23, a bottom member 24, side members 25 and 25,l and a plate-like member 21 forming a bottom for the case.

Extending parallel with the frame member 25 f and spaced therefrom as shown, is a bar 28 connected with the top and bottom members 23 and 24 and forming therewith and with the frame member 25 a compartment 29 extending substantiallythe full height of the drawer, a block 39 having a recess 3| in its upper face, being secured in the lower end of this compartment. A scale represented at 32 and graduated in picas is provided on the frame member 25 and serves as a means for readily determining the length, in picas, of a line of matrices selected by the operator in the forming of the desired line composition and assembled by him in the compartment 29.

The opposing faces of the frame member 25 and the bar 28 are provided with rails 33 and 34 notched, as represented at 35,' to receive depending legs 35 vprovided on the ends of cross plates 31, which form adjustable compartment end walls for dividing the compartment 29 into a number of matrix storing compartments of the desired sizes, as for example to store extra matrices, it being understood that by rendering these cross wall forming members removable the compartment 29 may be freed of obstruction for the gauging of a line of composed matrices as above pointed out.

The remainder of' the case is divided into a relatively large number of compartments 3B for receiving the matrices comprising the font. The compartments 38 are formedin the particular construction shown by providing a series of parallel spaced apart terminal side rails39, intermediate parallel spaced apart side rails 49, the latter being shown as yof inverted U-shape in cross section, and horizontal spaced apart parallel cross rails 4| intersecting the rails 39 and 40, all disposed within the space boundedby the members- 23, 24, 25 and 28.

The rails referred to maybe secured together and held in place within the frame, in any suitable way, as for example as shown and as will now be described.y

The terminal side rails 39 and thelowermost cross rail 4|, the terminal side rails being shown as of less thickness than the rails 40, are secured to the members 28, 26 and 24 respectively, as for example by screws as represented at 39a of the rail 39 shown in Fig.'2, and the ends of the lower cross rail 4| are interlocked with` the lower ends of the side rails 39 as shownin Fig. 10, namely by providing a lug 42 on the lower end of the rail 39 and providing in the adjacent end of the lowermost` rail 4|, between its upper and lower surface, a notch`43 to receive the lug 42.

The ends of the others of these cross rails 4| are provided between their upper and lower surfaces with recesses 49 affording upper and lower lugs 45 and 4G, respectively, the lower lugs i9 entering downwardly opening notches 41 in the undersides of the rails 39 and the upper lugs 45 lapping the rails 39 as shown in Figs. 2 4. The intermediate rails 40 are provided at their lower ends with lugs 48 which extend into downwardly opening recesses 49 in the lower one of the cross rails 4| (Fig. 5). The others of the cross rails 4| are provided at their ends with lugs 59 (Figs. 9 and 13) which lap the upper surfaces of the side rails 39 and at their points of intersection with the rails 40 are provided with downwardly opening recessed portions 5| which interiit with upwardly recessed portions 52 of the rails 49 (Figs. 11-14).

In accordance with one phase of my invention, the side rails of the compartments 38 are of such width and are so spaced apart as to cause these compartments to be of a width adapting them to receive the bodies 53 of one size of matrix, as for example having an overall length of 11/2 inches and represented at 54, with the ears 55 of the matrices resting on these rails with sufcient clearance between the ears of the matrices in adjacent parallel compartments as not to cause these ears to offer any obstruction to free sliding of the matrices in the compartments, as shown of the matrices in Figs. 9 and 16, and to adapt these compartments to receive, in their entirety, between these side rails, matrices of another size, as for example having an overall length of 11/8 inches and represented at 5G, as shown of the matrix in Fig. 11 and of some of the matrices of Fig. 9, thus adapting the case for the storing in the compartments 38 of matrices of different overall lengths, as desired.

According to that phase of my invention whereby matrices, either of the large or small size and of either rectangular shape in plan as in the case of matrices of the roman character type, or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan as Ain the ease of matrices of the italic type, may be stored in any of the compartments 38, I provide pillow blocks adapted to be inserted into the lower ends of the compartments 38 at will to adapt these compartments for matrices of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan, such, for example, as those shown at 51 (Fig. 9),y and readily removed therefrom when the compartments are to be used for the roman type of matrix.

A number of the many forms in which such pillow blocks may be provided are illustrated. Thus in Figs. 6-9 I have shown a construction of such block which may be made of sheet metal, as for example steel, and comprising a web portion 58 having'upper and lower anges 59 and 69, respectively, thereon, the lower ange 6|) being notched along its outer edge, intermediate its ends, as represented at 6I to provide spaced apart tongues 62, and the upper flange 59 provided at its outer edge with a portion 63 of concavoconvex shape in cross section, presenting a downwardly turned edge portion 64. The web portion 58 of the block is inclined to the plane of the lugs 62 and the edge 64 at an angle corresponding to theangle at which the longer edges E5 of the matrices 51 extend relative to the shorter edges 66 thereof as shown, whereby the pillow blocks when inserted into the compartments are conformingly contacted at their web portions 58 by the inclined portions of the lower ones of the columns of italicmatrices charged into these compartments and form abutments therefor.

The cross rails 4-I are notched along their `under surfaces as represented at 61 to'receive the tongues t2` of the pillow blocks when .applied to the operative position shown in Fig. 9, the upper edges of the cross rails 4| beingreceived within the concave portions |53` ofthe pillow blocks.

The form of pillow block `of Fig. 'l is the same asthat shown in'Fig. 6 except that instead of providing two tongues thereon, `one tongue only, represented at 68, is provided. In the use of l this particular form of block one notch onlyv (not shown) to receive `the tongue 68 would kbe provided in the lower cross rail portions of each of the compartments 38. i

The pillow block of Fig. 8 provides a solid bodyv portion 69 with an oblique 'face corresponding with the web58 and a face 10 at right angles to its end faces at which the blockmay seat against the lower cross rail of the compartment to which it is applied, the block having the tongue feature above referred to, exemplified in Fig. 8 by the single tongue represented at- 1| and corresponding with the tongue of Fig. 7. i

In all of these constructions, the pillow blocks and cross walls of the compartments `have cooperating parts, comprising the tonguesofthe pillow blocks, which hold the blocks against displacement in a direction outwardly from the compartments, the blocks of Figs.`6 `land 7 presenting the further feature of preventing displacement of these blocks lengthwise ofthe compartments.

In the particular construction shown, the compartments, the end walls of which are Aformed by the adjustable cross plates. 31,V are likewise adapted to receive pillow blocks for the purpose stated. The pillow blocks for these compartments may be of any suitable construction, those shown being of the sheet metal type above described and extending at their edges 64 into grooves 1| in the upper surfaces vofthese cross.

plates. Where the pillow blocks used are provided with two tongues as in the case of the construction shown in Fig. 6, the cross plates would be provided with two registering notches. in their undersurfaces as shown at 12. Where the pillow blocks used arel providedV with a single tongue, as inthe case of the construction shown in Fig.` '1, the cross plates would be provided with one registering notch in their undersurfaces as shown at 13. i

The compartment 29 isl adapted to receive either the roman or italic type of matrices. l For the roman type of matrices `the block 30 would be used as the abutment forl the composed line of matrices. For' the italic type of matrices a pillow block 30 would be used removably secured in place in'any suitable wayfas for example `by a screw 30h. The disposition of the parts referredito is such that thev scale 32 accurately indicates the length of the composed line of matrices whether of the roman Vor italic type. A recess 30 inthe bottom of the block 30 is provided to receive thepillow block 30a when not in use. The arrangement vjust described is for a right-hand case.

Where this feature is` to be incorporated 'ini a left-hand case itmay be provided as shown in Fig.`20,wherein'the scale is represented at |00 and the block,` corresponding `to the block 30, at |0|. The block '|0| in this construction presents an oblique `abutment face, as ,indicated at |02,L for `a :column ofmatrices of' the italic type, andto adapt it for the roman type of matrices ai removable and replaceable pillow block |03 shown asheld in place bya screw |04 is provided whichwhen seated against the oblique face |02 presents a face `|05 at'right angles to the side ywalls cf. the compartmentherein represented at `|06 andcorresponding to the compartment 29, and islin line with the zero marking of the scale `|00.` The block 1|0| also contains a-recess |01 to receivethe block |03 when not in use. The parts described are so disposed that the scale |00 is caused to accurately indicate a line of composed matrices `in the compartment" |06 when of either theroman or italic type.

` While Irhave illustrated and described certain particular constructions embodying my invention, I do not wish to be understood as intending 4td limit' it thereto as thel same may be variously modified andaltered and the invention embodied `in otherforms of structure without department from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim as new'and desire tolcover by 'Letters'Patent is: 1.- A matrix case having partitions forming com'- partments for matrices of different overall lengths and having body .portions and ears extendingin opposite directions therefrom, those of said partitions which form the side walls of said compartments being so spacedapart as to receive between them the body portions I of thelarger of said matrices and form supports for said ears and to receive between them the smaller of said matrices in their entirety. j l' w 2. Amatrix" case having' 'partitions forming compartments for matrices' of diierent overall lengths and having body portions and ears extending in opposite directions therefrom, those of said partitions which form the sidewalls of said compartments being of `Such width' and so spaced apart as to receive between them the body portions of the larger of said matrices and form supports for said ears, with the ears of matrices in parallel adjacent compartmentsy in non-overlapped relation to'each other, and to receive betweenthem the smaller of said matrices in 'their entirety. "-3. A matrix case having a compartment for 'matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelo'gram shape in plan, `and a removable' and replaceable pillow block in the lower `end yof.` said compartment and against whichV a column'of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquelyto the side walls of said compartment, and means comprising cooperating portions on said case and block restraining said block against displacement in a `di're'f'ztion outwardly from said compartment. v

4. Aimatrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan and having cross walls, and a` removable and replaceable pillow blockin the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said blockwith whichthe column engages extending obliquely to the side-walls of Said compartment, the lower cross-wallof said compartment containing a recess and a projection on said block adapted to enter said recess and cooperate therewith to restrain said block against displacement in al direction outwardly from said compartment. 5. A `matrix case-having a compartmentfor `matrices either of rectangular vor `of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan and having cross walls, and a removable and replace- -able pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, and means comprising cooperating portionson said case and block restraining said block against displacement both in a direction outwardly from said compartment and in a direction lengthwise of said compartment away from the lower crosswall of said compartment.

6. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan and having crosswalls,anda removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, and a projection on said block lapping a portion of the lower cross-wall of said compartment in a position preventing displacement of said block lengthwise of said compartmentin a direction away from the lower cross-wall of said compartment.

7. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan and having cross walls, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, and a projection on said block engaging a portion of the lower cross-wall of said compartment in a position to prevent displacement of said block relative to the lower cross-wall of said compartment.

8. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan and having cross walls, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, the lower cross-wall* of said compartment containing a recess and a projection on said block adapted to enter said recess and cooperate therewith to restrain said block against displacement in a direction outwardly from said compartment, and means on said block engaging said lower cross- -wall for preventing displacement of said block lengthwise of said compartment in a direction away from said cross-wall.

9. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, said block being formed of a web portion presenting said oblique surface and flanges extending therefrom, and means comprising cooperating portions on said case and block restraining said block against displacement in a direction outwardly from said compartment.

10. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or ofnon-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, said block being formed of a web portion presenting said oblique surface and anges extending therefrom, and means comprising cooperating portions on said case and said flanges restraining said block against displacement in a direction outwardly from said compartment and in a direction lengthwise of said compartment.

11. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, said block having a face at the side thereof opposite said oblique surface at which it is adapted to bear against an end wall of the compartment, and means comprising cooperating portions on said case and block restraining said block against displacement in a direction outwardly from said compartment.

12. Av matrix case having compartments for matrices, a compartment for receiving a composed line of matrices, and a scale extending along said last-referred-to compartment for measuring a composed line of matrices in said last-referred-to compartment,

13. A matrix case having compartments for matrices, a compartment for receiving a line of composed matrices, removable members in said last-referred-to compartment dividing the latter into several compartments, and a scale extending along said second-referred-to compartment for measuring a composed line of matrices charged into the latter.

14. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan and having cross walls, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, and means comprising cooperating portions on said case and block restraining said block against displacement in a direction away from the lower one of said cross walls and outwardly from said cornpartment.

15. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side walls of said compartment, said block being formed of a web portion presenting said oblique surface and anges extending therefrom at its upper and lower edges, and means comprising cooperating portions on said case and block restraining said block against displacement in a direction outwardly from said compartment.

16. A matrix case having a compartment for matrices either of rectangular or of non-rectangular parallelogram shape in plan, and a removable and replaceable pillow block in the lower end of said compartment and against which a column of matrices in said compartment rests, the surface of said block with which the column engages extending obliquely to the side Walls of said compartment, a wall of said compartment containing a recess and a projection on said block adapted to enter said recess and cooperate therewith to restrain said block against displacement in a direction outwardly from said compartment.

PHILIP P. MERRILL. 

